Angola: Oil & Gas Conference 2023 Officially Launched In Luanda
The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference and exhibition has been launched in Luanda by event organizer Energy Capital & Power (ECP) alongside the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas and partners including the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG); the Oil Derivatives Regulatory Institute (IRDP); and national oil company Sonangol.
The event was attended by key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors as well as media and served to kickstart official preparations for the highly-anticipated 2023 edition of the conference.
AOG 2023 partners include the African Energy Chamber, the Association of Angola Petroleum Service Companies; Rystad Energy; Ethiopian Airlines; UK-Angola Connect; Centurion Law Group; LELLO International; and Cunha Vaz and Association.
Representing the official oil and gas platform for the Angolan energy sector, AOG 2023 will take place under the theme, ‘Energy Security, Decarbonization and Sustainable Development,’ with regional petroleum ministers, global investors and project developers, and both public and private sector firms convening in Luanda from September 13-14 to discuss the most pressing matters in the country’s oil and gas industry, forging a future built on the sustainable development of oil and gas.
AOG 2023 serves to build on the success of the previous three editions to drive new investment flows into the growing Angolan economy. The event features panel discussions, investor summits and market-focused presentations covering the entire oil and gas sector and its value chain and falls in line with national efforts to position the country as a regional petroleum hub.
“This year, we anticipate AOG 2023 to grow exponentially, with more than 40 countries participating. AOG represents an excellent opportunity for investors to learn more about the potential of Angola’s oil and gas sector, and the government policies and regulations that affect it,” states Sergio Pugliese, President, African Energy Chamber: Angola chapter.
Dedicated upstream panels will explore progress being made by E&P companies in high-potential basins including Kwanza, Namibe and Lower Congo. Updates will be provided by companies to the likes of TotalEnergies, Afentra – who recently made two major acquisitions in Block 3/05 and 3/05A -, Azule Energy, ENI and many more. On the eve of a new licensing round set to be launched, the ANPG will showcase the investment opportunities and upstream competitive of Angola’s offshore market.
Downstream, Angola’s focus on regional connectivity and refining will see discussions center on intra-African trade, infrastructure progress and industrialization, with a suite of downstream players spearheading dialogue around Angola’s future as a regional processing hub.
On the gas front, AOG 2023 will comprise dedicated natural gas sessions with speakers exploring the role gas will continue to play in driving sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Projects such as the Angola Liquefied Natural Gas facility, the Quiluma/Maboqueiro gas fields, the Cameia-Golfinho developments and others will be showcased while high-level speakers detail the country’s efforts to bolster gas monetization and energy security through gas-to-power.
In line with national renewable energy targets, AOG 2023 serves as a platform for green energy stakeholders to sign deals and kickstart new developments across the solar, wind and green hydrogen space. Updates on projects such as the Quilemba solar station, the 960 MW Cambambe I and 700 MW Cambambe II facilities and the Lauca hydroelectric power plant will be provided while new developments kick off.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Digitisation Drives ECG’s Monthly Revenues To Gh¢1.2 Billion
The monthly revenue of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has shot up to about Gh¢1.2 billion as a result of digitisation being introduced into the company’s operations.
Hitherto, ECG recorded Gh¢450 million every month and this trend has been for several years.
The southern power distribution company now operates a cashless system.
Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who disclosed this, said ECG’s revenues were virtually constant even though the customer base had continued to increase.
“The constant value was almost the same. They didn’t even take time to change the value,” Dr Bawumia said while delivering a speech at the opening of the Church of Pentecost’s 2023 National Development Conference at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.
He said when this government’s team identified the problem and introduced an intervention to solve it, the team’s work [government team] was “sabotaged with malware by people [ECG staff] working right there.”
He said with the involvement of the National Security in the issue, the problem was solved and now the company makes GH¢1.2 billion a month.
He said the government’s digitisation agenda has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth and also reduced corruption.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GRIDCo Seeks Support Of Police To Protect Assets In Western Region
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi, and the management team of the company have paid a two-day working visit to the Western Region to meet with staff and the Western Regional Police Commander.
After holding a discussion with the Takoradi area staff, Mr. Essienyi and the management team, led by the Takoradi Operational Area engineer, Ing Solomon Mensah met with the Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Osei Akoto Arthur, and his team to formally introduce himself to DCOP Arthur, as they had not met since he assumed the position of Chief Executive.
Additionally, they aimed to discuss important matters concerning the protection of GRIDCo’s transmission lines and assets in the region.
DCOP Arthur mentioned that his office and the District Commanders have been in communication with GRIDCo’s Takoradi Operational Area team for some time now, which laid the groundwork for the meeting.
The discussions mainly revolved around establishing a collaborative approach to ensure the security of GRIDCo’s transmission lines and assets in the region.
The GRIDCo leadership expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts in conducting security patrols along the Essiama to Elubo section of the line, which had experienced incidents of vandalism.
In response, DCOP Arthur assured the delegation that the police would take the matter seriously and do their utmost to protect this essential national asset.
Ing Essienyi reaffirmed the management’s commitment to supporting the collaboration with the police in safeguarding GRIDCo’s infrastructure in the region.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Namibian Legislators Understudy Operations Of NPA
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has hosted a delegation from the Namibian Upper House of Parliament who are in the West African nation to understudy how the Authority regulates the petroleum downstream industry.
The delegation, drawn from the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources particularly, wants to understand the petroleum downstream industry in Ghana, specifically areas where they can avoid corruption in their emerging petroleum industry.
The delegation was led by the Vice-Chairman of the committee, Mr Elder Filipe, with Mr Mbangu Paulus, Mr Nicodemus Motinga, Mr Richard Gaoseb and Mr Kennedy Haoseb as the other members.
Welcoming the delegation to the NPA on Wednesday, 26th July 2023, the Chief Executive of the NPA, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid said relations between Ghana and Namibia stretched back to the days of Namibian first President, Dr Samuel Shafiishuna Daniel Nujoma.
He, therefore, expressed excitement that the two countries—Ghana located in West Africa, and Namibia, located on the Southwestern coast of Africa—were making moves to deepen relations by learning from each other to help the African course.
The NPA Boss said the Authority had, through the implementation of the Petroleum Product Marking Scheme (PPMS), succeeded in effectively monitoring and ensuring the quality of petroleum products along the supply and distribution chain.
It has also helped to curb fuel smuggling, ensured the payment of the right taxes and availability of quality petroleum products on the market.
Dr Abdul-Hamid indicated that NPA quality assurance officers visit depots and retail outlets regularly to check the marker concentration in petroleum products to establish whether the products meet the required specifications or not.
He said penalties are meted out to defaulting Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to discourage the practice and protect the interest of consumers.
Besides, Dr Abdul-Hamid said the implementation of the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) Margin has ensured uniformity in the price of petroleum products across the country.
He said that but for the UPPF, the five regions of the North and the Central, which are considered to be the poorest, would have been paying more for fuel, saying that “But for UPPF, the situation would have been precarious.“
Dr. Abdul-Hamid said the use of the electronic cargo tracking system had ensured effective monitoring of the transportation of petroleum products across the country.
He said the system had made it possible for the NPA to verify the locations where bulk road vehicles claimed to have transported fuel to.
Touching on local content policy, the NPA Boss said the Authority was before Parliament to amend the NPA Act, 2005 (Act 691) to allow for the implementation of the local (Ghanaian) content policy in the petroleum downstream sector.
He said the policy seeks to restrict operations in the petroleum downstream industry to local players.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid, who is the President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), said Ghana’s sulphur content standard of 50 parts per million (ppm) is the best in West Africa.
He said the goal of ARDA was to harmonise fuel specifications in the face of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his remarks, Mr Filipe lauded Ghana for its pacesetter role, recalling that Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, had been instrumental in the liberation of Namibia.
He said Namibia had discovered oil and expected to start production within the next three years.
Mr Filipe said the delegation was, therefore, in the country to learn from Ghana’s experience and pitfalls “so that we can avoid that.”
He said the team wanted the issue of value addition to become part of the Namibian policy “so that we can start on the right track.”
Present at the meeting were a Deputy CE of NPA, Mr Perry Okudzeto; Directors, and Heads of Department.
The Director of Policy Coordination, Dr. Sheila Addo; the Head of Economic Regulation, Mr Abass Tasunti, and the Head of PPMS, Mr. Setso Agbenoto, gave presentations on the general operations of the Authority.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia-Africa Summit: Experts Discuss Enhanced Cooperation In Nuclear Energy Technologies For Development Of Africa
The business programme of the Second Russia–Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum currently underway in St. Petersburg, Russia, opened on Thursday, July 27, 2023, with the panel discussion on the theme: ‘Nuclear Technologies for the Development of African Region’.
It was held with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and moderated by Ruslan Edelgeriyev, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation; Special Presidential Representative on Climate Issues.
The speakers at the session included Alexey Likhachev, Director General, State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom; Doto Mashaka Biteko, Minister for Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania; Princess Mthombeni, Founder, Africa4Nuclear; Nuclear Communication and Technology Specialist of South Africa; Fidele Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Atomic Energy Board; Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mining of the Republic of Burundi; Amged El-Wakeel, Chairman of the Board, Nuclear Power Plants Authority of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and others.
The discussion was opened by its moderator, Ruslan Edelgeriyev, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, Special Presidential Representative on Climate Issues.
“The African continent is home to more than one billion people, and it is predicted that by 2050, Africa’s population will triple and make up about one-third of the world’s total population. Africa is growing faster than ever, and in the near future, a very large part of its population will have an improved quality of life. But without stable access to energy and a developed energy system, no development is possible,” said Mr. Edelgeriyev.
The experts agreed that one of the strategic tasks facing every state in the modern world is the introduction of technologies that will ensure energy security, guarantee the sustainable development of various sectors of the economy, and increase the scientific and human resource potential of the country.
“Africa is on its way from being one fifth of the world’s population to one third. At the same time, if you look at electricity generation globally, last year, approximately 30 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity was generated on the planet, while Africa generated less than one. And in that sense, this disparity cannot be sustained for long,”said Alexey Likhachev.
“It is clear that states on the African continent will be actively engaged in building power generation capacity in the coming decades,” he added.
Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, Minister for Electricity and Renewable Energy of Egypt, said that the development of nuclear energy in his country in co-operation with Rosatom has a positive impact on all spheres of life and work.
“We expect the number of jobs to increase ninefold. In addition, the country’s development strategy until 2035 states that by that time renewable energy sources should account for about 42% – nuclear power can help us with this.”
“Right now, only more than 70% of our population has access to electricity,” said Fidele Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Atomic Energy Board.
According to the speaker, nuclear energy can remedy this situation. “Nuclear power is about reliability. Nuclear power is not just about money. All studies show: it leads to economic growth in all spheres of life.”
Doto Mashaka Biteko, Minister for Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania said, “We already have a uranium programme, but we now want to look at new technologies from other countries. We need to add 10% to our GDP, and uranium is one of them. We want to breathe new life into our projects, and we invite everyone to do so. About 30% of our people live below the poverty line, we want to improve their quality of life. We have natural resources. God has given us everything we need, so we will achieve everything.”
Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mining of the Republic of Burundi, said: “I visited the Leningrad NPP. I am impressed. We need energy self-sufficiency, and we will soon sign an agreement with Rosatom to achieve it.”
“Africa is the next stage in the development of global nuclear energy. All eyes will now be on what Russia is offering to its friends at this Forum. What is done today will be inherited by the next generations. If we do not address the energy challenge, Africa’s youth will be vulnerable. For the sake of Africa’s sustainable development, African countries should accept the proposals that come from Russia. Unfortunately, the world media is against Africa–Russia cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. It becomes even more important to properly inform the public. Africans are tired of living in darkness,” said Princess Mthombeni, Founder, Africa4Nuclear; Nuclear Communication and Technology Specialist of South Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The experts agreed that one of the strategic tasks facing every state in the modern world is the introduction of technologies that will ensure energy security, guarantee the sustainable development of various sectors of the economy, and increase the scientific and human resource potential of the country.
“Africa is on its way from being one fifth of the world’s population to one third. At the same time, if you look at electricity generation globally, last year, approximately 30 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity was generated on the planet, while Africa generated less than one. And in that sense, this disparity cannot be sustained for long,”said Alexey Likhachev.
“It is clear that states on the African continent will be actively engaged in building power generation capacity in the coming decades,” he added.
Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, Minister for Electricity and Renewable Energy of Egypt, said that the development of nuclear energy in his country in co-operation with Rosatom has a positive impact on all spheres of life and work.
“We expect the number of jobs to increase ninefold. In addition, the country’s development strategy until 2035 states that by that time renewable energy sources should account for about 42% – nuclear power can help us with this.”
“Right now, only more than 70% of our population has access to electricity,” said Fidele Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Atomic Energy Board.
According to the speaker, nuclear energy can remedy this situation. “Nuclear power is about reliability. Nuclear power is not just about money. All studies show: it leads to economic growth in all spheres of life.”
Doto Mashaka Biteko, Minister for Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania said, “We already have a uranium programme, but we now want to look at new technologies from other countries. We need to add 10% to our GDP, and uranium is one of them. We want to breathe new life into our projects, and we invite everyone to do so. About 30% of our people live below the poverty line, we want to improve their quality of life. We have natural resources. God has given us everything we need, so we will achieve everything.”
Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mining of the Republic of Burundi, said: “I visited the Leningrad NPP. I am impressed. We need energy self-sufficiency, and we will soon sign an agreement with Rosatom to achieve it.”
“Africa is the next stage in the development of global nuclear energy. All eyes will now be on what Russia is offering to its friends at this Forum. What is done today will be inherited by the next generations. If we do not address the energy challenge, Africa’s youth will be vulnerable. For the sake of Africa’s sustainable development, African countries should accept the proposals that come from Russia. Unfortunately, the world media is against Africa–Russia cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. It becomes even more important to properly inform the public. Africans are tired of living in darkness,” said Princess Mthombeni, Founder, Africa4Nuclear; Nuclear Communication and Technology Specialist of South Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Russia’s Trade Turnover In Africa Reached US$18 Billion In 2022—Putin Discloses
Russia’s trade turnover in Africa in 2022 reached almost US$18 billion, President Vladimir Putin has revealed in an article ahead of the Second Russia-Africa Summit scheduled from today July 27 -28, 2023, in St. Petersburg.
Despite these investments in Africa, Mr Putin said, “We are well aware that the potential of our trade and economic partnership is much higher.
“Russian companies are interested in working more actively on the continent in the sphere of high technologies and geological exploration, in the fuel and energy complex, including nuclear power, in the chemical industry, mining and transport engineering, agriculture and fishery.”
Mr Putin noted that the changes taking place in the world require the search for solutions related to the establishment of new transport and logistical chains, the formation of a monetary and financial system, and mechanisms of mutual settlements that are safe and free from unfavourable external impacts.
Touching on Russia’s relationship with Africa, Mr Putin said, “The partnership between our country and Africa has strong, deep roots and has always been distinguished by stability, trust and goodwill.”
According to him, Russia has consistently supported Africans in their struggle for liberation from colonial oppression, adding, “We have assisted in developing statehood, strengthening their sovereignty and defence capability.
“By the mid-1980s, with the participation of our specialists, over 330 large infrastructure and industrial facilities have been built in Africa, such as power plants, irrigation systems, industrial and agricultural enterprises, which are successfully operating to this day, and continue to make a significant contribution to the continent’s economic development. Tens of thousands of African doctors, technical specialists, engineers, officers and teachers have received education in Russia,” he stated.
Mr Putin who expressed disgust at how Europe unscrupulously handled the so-called ‘grain deal’ said notwithstanding the sanctions imposed on Russia, it would continue its energetic efforts to provide supplies of grain, food products, fertilizers and other goods to Africa.
“We highly value and will further develop the full spectrum of economic ties with Africa–with individual states as well as regional integration associations and naturally, with the African Union,” he assured.
Mr Putin was hopeful that the second Russia -Africa summit would adopt a comprehensive Declaration, several joint statements and approve the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan to 2026.
“We are working to prepare an impressive package of intergovernmental and inter-agency agreements and memoranda with individual states as well as regional associations of the continent. I am looking forward to welcoming the African leaders in St. Petersburg and stand committed to a fruitful constructive dialogue,” he concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Man Sentenced 10 Years For Vandalising Electricity Meter Board
A court in Kenya has sentenced a man to ten years in imprisonment or a fine of KShs5 million (the equivalent of US$35,125) for vandalising a customer’s electricity meter board at Riverside Estate in Timau town, Meru County.
The convict, Brian Wahome, was arrested and charged at the Timau Police Station before he was arraigned at the Nanyuki Law Court where he was charged with stealing energy equipment contrary to section 169(1)(c) of the Energy Act 2019.
A statement issued by Kenya Power said the suspect pleaded guilty and was handed the sentence by Lisper Gakli Nyaga, the resident’s, magistrate at the Nanyuki law courts.
The statement said at the time of the arrest, Mr. Wahome was found in possession of two cutouts, a switch and the meter board.
Kenya Power’s Ag. Security Services Manager, Major Paul Nyaga Gichovi (Rtd.), welcomed the judgment, terming it a big boost to fight against vandalism.
“This sentence will go a long way to deter vandalism and other illegal activities on the network. We are relentless in the fight against these crimes as they pose the danger of loss of life through electrocution and undermine the quality of power supply, beyond financial losses to the company,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: Total Starts Drilling At Tilenga Oil Field
France’s TotalEnergies has started drilling its first well in the Tilenga field, near Lake Albert, in Uganda, East Africa.
According to the French firm, oil production from the field will start in 2025.
The Tilenga project is part of a $10-billion deal between TotalEnergies, Chinese CNOOC, and the Ugandan government for the development of two fields in the Lake Albert area.
The other field, whose development would be led by CNOOC, is Kingfisher.
Like every new oil and gas development, the Ugandan deal has been seen as controversial by some, especially because it would also involve the construction of a pipeline from the fields to the Tanzanian Indian Ocean coast.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, or EACOP, will have a capacity of 216,000 barrels of crude daily and will span across more than 1,400 km. It will be the world’s longest heated oil pipeline.
The capacity could be ramped up to 246,000 barrels at a later stage. The cost of the project was estimated at $3.5 billion when Total, CNOOC, and Uganda sealed the deal for its construction.
For landlocked Uganda, EACOP is a vital necessity if it is to get its crude oil to international markets. The project is a lucrative opportunity for neighboring Tanzania, too.
Environmentalists, however, disagree that the pipeline—or oil development near Lake Albert—is a good idea. They cite the potential for environmental damage from the operation of the pipeline and the fields, and the idea that more oil a d gas development is at odds with emission reduction targets.
For governments in the region, however, exploiting their natural resources is, indeed, a good idea. Politicians cite the prospects of improving the living standards of local populations thanks to oil revenues and the chance to do exactly what the West did thanks to oil and gas: wealthy.
Source: Oilprice.com
Mozambique: Globeleq To Acquire Mocuba Solar PV Plant From SCATEC
Globeleq, the leading independent power company in Africa, has agreed to purchase Scatec A.S.A.’s 52.5% stake in the 41 MW Central Solar de Mocuba solar PV power plant (Mocuba) in Mozambique.
A statement from George Cazenove, Director of Communications and Government Affairs at Globeleq and copied to energynewsafrica.com said the company will also purchase KLP Norfund Investments A.S.’s 22.5% stake in the plant at the same time.
On completion of these transactions, Globeleq will hold a 75% stake in Mocuba, and will become the owner and manager of the plant.
According to the statement, Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), the national power company, will continue to hold the remaining 25%.
The Mocuba power plant is located on 126 hectares in a rural setting approximately 13km from the city of Mocuba in Zambezia province, in central Mozambique.
The project reached financial close in March 2018 and construction was completed in August 2019.
EDM is the off-taker through a 25-year power purchase agreement with the electricity produced being supplied into the national grid.
The International Finance Corporation and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund are lenders to the project.
This acquisition will significantly expand Globeleq’s operational footprint in Mozambique where the company is in the process of commissioning a 19 MW solar and 7MWh energy storage project at Cuamba and constructing a 450 MW gas-to-power project at Temane.
Globeleq is also leading development of a 120 MW wind project at Namaacha, near Maputo.
The Mocuba transaction is subject to regulatory and lender approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2024.
Following the completion of this transaction and the commissioning of the Cuamba Solar plant, Globeleq’s solar portfolio in Africa will be close to 400 MW across South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Mozambique.
Commenting on the planned acquisition, Mike Scholey, Globeleq’s CEO stated: “I am very pleased that Globeleq is continuing to build its presence in Mozambique through the purchase of the Mocuba solar plant. This acquisition, along acquisition, alongside our other projects, demonstrates our commitment both to Mozambique and to building our renewable power portfolio in Africa.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
G20 Deal On Fossil Fuels Blocked After Saudi Opposition
Several countries led by Saudi Arabia have blocked a move by G20 nations to reduce the use of fossil fuels, in the latest sign of the global tensions over the future role of oil, gas and coal as the world grapples with climate change.
G20 countries released a summary document on Saturday after several days of intense discussions hosted by India in Goa.
It said that some member states had emphasised the need to cut back the use of fossil fuels without the capture of emissions “in line with different national circumstances”.
But others “had different views on the matter”.
Those countries instead want to focus on the development of technology to capture greenhouse gas emissions.
Several people familiar with the negotiations said Saudi Arabia was prominent in the push against phasing down fossil fuels, and was backed by several other countries.
In past negotiations Russia and China have consistently opposed the move, and they thwarted a pact at the UN climate summit in Egypt late last year.
The G7 nations have already agreed to accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels.
Saturday’s gathering also failed to make progress on setting a global goal for renewable energy development.
The deadlock comes as countries around the world are suffering extreme weather including severe heatwaves and flooding.
The EU has been a leading supporter of efforts to shift away from burning fossil fuels, which account for about three-quarters of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Alden Meyer, senior associate at consultancy E3G, said there were “sharp divisions on display” at the G20 meeting “around the need for a fair, fast, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels”.
“With temperature records being set daily around the world and the impacts of climate change spiralling out of control, the world needed to hear a clarion call to action,” he said. “Instead, what we got was very weak tea.”
Speaking at the end of the meeting, RK Singh, India’s minister of power, acknowledged that the reduction of fossil fuel production was a “sticking point” in the discussions. He said a larger part of the G20 was in favour and it was a “great conference”.
India has committed to reach net zero by 2070, while China has set a 2060 goal to be “carbon neutral”.
A report prepared for India’s G20 presidency estimated the cost of the energy transition at $4tn a year globally and stressed the need for finance for developing countries; this has become a key demand of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The failure to reach an agreement is likely to pile pressure on to the United Arab Emirates to intensify its discussions with ministers and leaders.
It will host COP28 in December this year.
Earlier this month, Sultan al-Jaber, president-designate of COP28, laid out his vision for the climate summit, which focuses heavily on climate finance for poor countries to help them cope with the consequences of global warming, as well as a rapid expansion of renewable energy.
He also set out a “mid-century” goal for a reduction in the use of fossil fuels produced without capturing their emissions.
Previously, he had said that the reduction of fossil fuel use was “inevitable”.
Global emissions need to be cut by 43 per cent by 2030 to stop temperatures rising above 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, the threshold at which scientists have warned of potentially irreversible changes to the planet and devastating consequences for citizens, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
But the world is on track for a temperature rise of between 2.4C and 2.6C by 2100, according to the UN Environment Programme.
Source: Financial Times
Kenya: Tullow Hopeful Of Getting Strategic Partner For Turkana Oil Project
Africa-focused oil and gas firm, Tullow Oil Plc., has expressed optimism that it will soon find a strategic partner for the Turkana oil project in Kenya and bring it to fruition.
Since May this year when TotalEnergies and Africa Oil announced their withdrawal from the project, Tullow has been in search of new partners by holding talks with investors in India to bring them on board.
CEO of Tullow Oil Plc., Rahul Dhir, was in Kenya and held meetings with Kenyan authorities over the project.
“We are very delighted not just to be in Kenya but also at the field, where we were given a warm welcome by all the county and community leadership. We have seen a lot of traction and movement since the new government came in,” Kenya Broadcasting Corporation quoted Mr. Rahul Dhir as saying during a meeting with Kiraitu Murungi, Chairman of National Oil Corporation of Kenya, CEO of NOC, Leparan Morintat, and Madhan Srinivasan , Managing Director of Tullow Oil Kenya.
Dhir said that Tullow is 100 per cent committed to ‘Project Kenya’, adding that they are engaged in discussions with a few parties to come in as strategic partners.
Tullow Oil, in May 2023, submitted its revised Field Development Plan to Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which is now reviewing it.
NOC Chairman, Kiraitu Murungi said the National Oil Corporation alone stands to earn approximately US$8 billion in value out of its 22.5 per cent carry-in interest in the estimated 500 million barrels from the Lokichar Basin alone, an amount, he said, that would be enough to cut dependency on foreign aid and lift millions of Kenyans out of poverty.
“Experts tell us that the Lokichar field asset is quantified at 472 million barrels recoverable. With the State’s carry-in interest of 22.5 per cent share in the production sharing contract, NOC stands to earn $8 billion at the current rate of $80 a barrel. We can do a lot with this kind of money,” Mr Murungi said.
He added that the country stands to benefit in terms of jobs, royalties and infrastructural development, noting that while Kenya is endowed with considerable green energy resources, the country needs an inflow of dollars that solar or wind power cannot bring into the country.
Alluding to how Ghana used its oil find to power its economy, Mr Murungi said Kenya could leverage early oil production to provide a financial cushion for the country.
The Turkana oil asset, Mr Laparan Morintat said, is the single hottest Kenyan investment at the moment, and that the sooner it is developed, the better for the country.
He said NOC would support Tullow and the Government to move faster to the production phase.
“NOC has a considerable capacity which we shall deploy to help develop our country. We host one of the few globally recognised petroleum data centres in developing economies and we are in the process of equipping our geophysical and petrochemical laboratory which will be the only one of its kind in Africa,” he noted.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Africa Needs To Unite To Develop Energy Potentials To Spur Industrialisation—BPA Director
African leaders have been urged to come together and develop the continent’s huge energy potential to spur economic activities and industrialisation.
Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, Director for Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority (BPA) in the Republic of Ghana made the call in a presentation at the recent 57th Annual Meeting of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa in Lilongwe, capital of Malawi.
He noted that Africa has all it takes to be self-sufficient in providing sustainable energy for the development of Africa.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo added that Africa is endowed with huge energy potential notably hydropower, petroleum, natural gas, biomass (woodfuel) and uranium for nuclear power.
According to him, despite the huge energy potential, the continent has not been able to maximise it, stating that for instance, Africa has the highest untapped hydropower potential in the world yet only 11 per cent has been utilised compared to 85 per cent in Europe and America.
He said industrialised countries like Germany, China, India and Malaysia are where they are because of cheap electricity from clean coal and nuclear power.
He said carbon dioxide emission from Africa is very low and therefore not out of place to use a fraction of the coal resource exported from Africa to the industrialized nations to equally produce cheap power within the continent.
“It is not too late for Africa to follow the examples of China, India and Malaysia to utilise its energy resources for providing cheaper electricity to drive industries and add value to the abundant natural resources,” he said.
He added that currently, there is no evidence that dependable variable Renewable Energy sources such as solar, wind or tidal electricity support industrialisation without first having adequate baseload power from coal, natural gas, hydro or nuclear.
Touching on energy transition, Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo observed that World Trade is now shifting towards green markets.
Given this, he urges industries in Africa to strategically position themselves to take advantage of the green energy resources potential in the continent to compete favourably in the green market.
He said, “This is why Bui Power Authority and Volta River Authority are focusing on the deployment of Renewable Energy to support local industries for them to compete in the green market.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He added that currently, there is no evidence that dependable variable Renewable Energy sources such as solar, wind or tidal electricity support industrialisation without first having adequate baseload power from coal, natural gas, hydro or nuclear.
Touching on energy transition, Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo observed that World Trade is now shifting towards green markets.
Given this, he urges industries in Africa to strategically position themselves to take advantage of the green energy resources potential in the continent to compete favourably in the green market.
He said, “This is why Bui Power Authority and Volta River Authority are focusing on the deployment of Renewable Energy to support local industries for them to compete in the green market.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: NPA, Security Agencies Intensify Patrol At Border Towns To Curb Fuel Smuggling
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has, in collaboration with the state security agencies, mapped out plans to clamp down on fuel smuggling activities along border towns in the Upper East Region.
The Authority has partnered with security services to position some staff and security personnel at the smuggling hot spots to stop the menace.
Speaking at a media engagement held over the weekend in Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region, the Regional Manager of NPA, Mr. Bashiru Natogma said the initiative had improved the sale of quality fuel supply in the area.
Fuel smuggling has been one of the obstacles in the petroleum downstream of the supply chain in Ghana where both bulk distribution companies and consumers suffer in terms of pricing and demands.
The Upper East Region, which is bordered by landlocked countries, has been the target of fuel smugglers using the numerous unapproved routes to illegally transport the product, mostly at night.
Chief Executive of NPA, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid initiated the measures to curb the pilfering.
Mr. Natogma said tracking systems had been installed on vehicles carrying petroleum products to the BDCs as well as the points of discharge.
He said incentives had also been introduced to the foreign petroleum transporters who send fuel to neighbouring Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali and Niger for the easy take-off of the products to discourage middlemen from smuggling the product.
Mr. Natogma stressed that a rapid response mechanism had also been adopted to eradicate the menace.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s mandate in ensuring consumers get quality petroleum products to ensure value for money.
“My team, in partnership with the security agencies, has made fuel smuggling very difficult especially at the border towns because that’s where the majority of the smuggling takes place.
“We are, therefore, sending a strong warning to all identified and those yet to be identified in the fuel smuggling business to stop or face the law. We are not leaving any stone unturned in the fight against fuel smuggling in the border towns and some defunct fuel stations,” Mr Bashiru cautioned.
Pindaa community in the Kassena Nankana Municipality, Nakolo in the West Kassena Nankana District, Kulungugu in the Pusiga District, Nayagnia in the Kassena Nankana Municipality, Bongo Soe in the Bongo District and some other border communities in the region are among the spots where the exercises are being carried out.
Mr. Natogma urged the public to report to the NPA through its toll-free contact numbers—080012300, and 0302766195/6, any illegal and unapproved activities at the fuel stations or the LPG refilling points.
He also advised consumers who fall victim to cheating at the pumps to obtain receipts as evidence.
The Head of Planning at the NPA, Mr. Dominic Aboagye briefed journalists on fuel supply and availability in Ghana.
He gave the assurance that the NPA would ensure an uninterrupted supply of quality petroleum products to Ghanaians and its clients in Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali and Niger.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Renewable Energy Firm Moves To Block Eskom Power-Grid Regulations
G7 Renewable Energies, a South Africa- based power-project developer is seeking to block new rules governing the connection of plants to the national electricity grid, saying they are flawed and will impair the addition of more generation capacity.
State-owned utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. is struggling to meet electricity demand, resulting in almost daily power cuts that are hobbling economic growth.
Private generation projects that could relieve pressure on the system have been sidelined, in part because of a lack of connections to the grid.
To alleviate that pressure, Eskom introduced its so-called Interim Grid Capacity Allocation Rules, but developer G7 Renewable Energies argued they will hinder new operations.
In a report by Dailymaverick.co.za, it said CEO of G7 Renewable Energies Mr. Kilian Hagemann in an affidavit seen by Bloomberg stated that Eskom’s application of the IGCA rules “will determine applications for grid access in accordance with rules which have been adopted in a manner that is unlawful, unreasonable and irrational.”
The rules will also “compel applicants for access to undertake procedures which are onerous and prejudicial,” he said.
Eskom said it wasn’t immediately able to comment.
In June, the utility said the rules would avoid “hogging” of grid capacity and ensure only so-called shovel-ready projects are allocated capacity.
The rules will impose greater costs on developers of new generation plants and their customers, the South African Independent Power Producers Association, a lobby group, said earlier this month.
G7 Renewable Energies is involved in two wind farms identified in the court papers that are not part of a government program to buy power from producers, but will provide electricity to private customers. Such projects “will serve to reduce the burden on Eskom,” the company said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com